Gold Twentieth-Ounce 2001 Year of the Snake, Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian twentieth-ounce gold piece (abbreviated as 1/20 oz and designated with Au for "gold") is a bullion coin format. Uniquely, in Australia there are two mints authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.

Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used. Some of these are dedicated to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, in which every year is dedicated to one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

This coin is part of the sixth release in the Lunar Series issued by the Perth Mint, and marks the Chinese 2001 Year of the Snake (24 January 2001 - 11 February 2002).

The mint says about it:
A symbol of wisdom in Chinese culture, snakes are said to bring good luck and prosperity. People born in the Year of the Snake are analytical, independent and charming - which is why they are known to make such great leaders. Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.